JUPITER, Fla. – After an offseason filled with heavy trade speculation, Nolan Arenado has officially arrived to Florida, set to begin spring training as a St. Louis Cardinal.
For several months, the Cardinals have tried to trade the eight-time All-Star third baseman as the team shifts toward a cost-cutting, roster-reshaping, youth-driven reset.
That hasn’t happened yet. Arenado reportedly used a no-trade clause to block a deal to the Houston Astros in December. And another team long sought to be a suitor, the Boston Red Sox, signed Alex Bregman to patrol the hot corner.
Arenado reported to the Cardinals’ spring complex in Jupiter, Florida, on Sunday, one day ahead of his required arrival date.
While the stalled trade talks could make for an awkward situation, it seems Arenado is embracing his return to the St. Louis Cardinals for now. He was seen welcoming Cardinals manager Oli Marmol with a hug on Sunday morning and appeared ready to go with team workouts. He also shared some notable comments with media members
“There’s been a lot going on this offseason,” Arenado told media members, according to a video from FanDuel Sports Midwest reporter Jim Hayes. “There’s been some truths out there, there’s been some lies out there. I try not to get caught up into it too much. I refocus on getting ready for the season, and that’s about it.”
“There were a lot of things going on. There was the possibility of me getting traded. There was a possibility of me coming back. I’m back. And I’m ready to go play ball.”
Arenado was later asked about the Cardinals reset approach and how he views it with his competitive nature.
“The Cardinals are doing, you know, do I wish the direction was all-in? Of course. But is this what’s best for the Cardinals? Probably.”
He added, “Excited to see the boys. I love seeing some of these guys. I haven’t seen them in awhile. Being in Florida again, the East Coast time zone, is throwing me off a little bit, but besides that, it feels good. I’m excited to get to work. I’m a ballplayer. I’m really focused on getting ready for the season. And that’s it.”
Cardinals lead executive John Mozeliak says Arenado had a limited list of teams he would waive a no-trade clause to approve a deal for this offseason and that the Cardinals had “exhausted” options within his preferred trade destinations.
As Arenado returns, one big challenge the Cardinals will navigate is how to give many of their young hitters opportunities. Arenado is expected to serve as the Cardinals’ primary starting third baseman until or unless he is moved. Opportunities for players like Nolan Gorman (who will likely be forced back to second base) and some outfielders (who will likely lose playing time if Brendan Donovan shifts back to a super utility role) are still up in the air.
The Cardinals open their spring training schedule on Saturday. Opening Day for the 2025 regular season is set for March 27.